Archive By Section - Harris Blackwood's column

There is nothing pretty about the little bird in our Christmas tree. It is made of that shiny metallic stuff that most Christmas ornaments are made of. It has a tail that looks more like a brush. Instead of feet, it has a spring-loaded clip to attach it to the tree.

It was 40 years ago, about this time of year that I repented of my sins and was baptized. At 9, my list of sins paled in comparison to some of the whoppers I committed over the ensuing years. I figured if I sinned once a day over that time, that is 14,600. There were some days I was in double digits.

One thing the housing slowdown has given us is fewer cutely named subdivisions. I love driving through a town and noting the name of developments. In Forsyth County, one of the larger developments is called Polo Fields.

I've never been stuck in an elevator, but I'd rather not. I'd also prefer not to get stranded at the top of one of those double-decker Ferris wheels. Even on one of those chance rides with a pretty girl.